TWI700563B - Rotational force transmission unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupling member has a ball that becomes the center of inclination (tilting). The rotational force transmission member has an opening with a smaller diameter than the ball. The inner edge of the opening abuts the ball, thereby regulating the coupling member from falling off the rotational force transmission member In the structure, sometimes the inner edge of the opening is to limit the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member.

In the state where the pin (88) of the shaft is inserted into the hole (86b) of the through hole provided in the coupling member (86), the drive side flange (87) of the member whose rotational force is transmitted supports the pin (88) Both ends.

In this way, the coupling member (86), the driving side flange (87) and the pin (88) are connected, and the tiltable (tilting) amount is not restricted. The pin (88) abuts against the inside of the hole (86b), thereby forming a regulated coupling The member (86) falls off from the drive side flange (87).

Description

Rotational force transmission unit

The present invention relates to a drum unit, a cassette used in an electrophotographic image forming device, a method for assembling a drive transmission device for a photosensitive drum, and an electrophotographic image forming device.

Here, the so-called cassette refers to the one with at least one of the electrophotographic photoreceptor or process means that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

A representative example of the cassette can be a process cassette. The so-called process cassette is an integrated cassette of the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum and the development device acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum, and the process means can be removed and installed to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming device.

In addition, the so-called electronic photo image forming device is a person who forms an image on a recording medium using an electronic photo image forming method.

Examples of electronic photo image forming devices include, for example, electronic photo photocopiers, electronic photo printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile devices, and word processors.

Conventionally, there is no device equipped with the main body-side engaging portion provided on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by opening and closing the main body cover of the apparatus body in order to transmit rotational force to the rotating body such as the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum. The aforementioned device body of the mechanism of the rotation axis direction is known.

In addition, it is known that, for the device body, the structure of a process cassette that can be removed in a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the rotating body is known.

Furthermore, in the aforementioned configuration, a configuration in which the coupling member provided in the process cassette is engaged with the aforementioned main body-side engaging portion is known.

In the coupling method as such a means of transmitting the rotational force, the coupling member provided in the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum unit is configured to tilt the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum unit, so that the device will follow the process of the cartridge The assembly and detachment operation of the main body is known to be capable of engaging and disengaging the coupling member (Patent No. 4498407).

In the conventional structure described in FIG. 103 of the aforementioned Patent No. 4498407, the coupling member has a ball that becomes the tilting center, and the flange has an opening having a smaller diameter than the ball. The inner edge of the opening abuts against the ball to regulate the coupling member from falling off the flange.

The purpose of the present invention is to enable the above-mentioned prior art developers.

The invention of the present application for achieving the above-mentioned object is a drum unit, which is used in a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming device having a rotatable main body side engaging portion. The cassette moves to a predetermined direction that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the body-side engaging portion, and is configured to be detachable from the device body, and is characterized by having: (i) a photoreceptor, which can form a latent image; (ii) ) A rotational force transmission member, which has a storage portion on its inner side, and is transmitted to transmit the rotational force to the aforementioned photoreceptor; (iii) a coupling member, which is a coupling member, and has: (iii-i) a free end , Which has a rotational force receiving portion that receives the rotational force from the body-side engaging portion; and (iii-ii) a coupling portion, which is designed to follow the movement of the cassette in the predetermined direction, the rotational force receiving portion It is detached from the body-side engagement portion, and the rotation axis of the coupling member can tilt with respect to the rotation axis of the rotation force transmission member, and at least a part of it is accommodated in the storage portion. A transmitting member; and (iii-iii) a through hole that penetrates the coupling portion; and (iv) a shaft portion that receives the rotational force from the coupling member and penetrates the coupling member in a manner that allows the tilting of the coupling member Both ends of the through hole are respectively supported by the transmission member by the aforementioned rotational force.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drive transmission unit having a shaft portion whose both ends are respectively supported by the transmission member by the rotational force. The shaft is a through hole that penetrates the coupling member, and can allow the coupling member to tilt. Furthermore, the shaft portion can receive rotational force from the coupling member.

3‧‧‧Exposure device (laser scanner unit)

4‧‧‧Thin plate tray

5a‧‧‧Pick up roller

5b‧‧‧to the roller pair

5c‧‧‧Conveying roller pair

6‧‧‧Transfer guide

7‧‧‧transfer roller

8‧‧‧Transport guide

9‧‧‧Fixing device

9a‧‧‧Heating roller

9b‧‧‧Pressure roller

10‧‧‧Discharge roller

11‧‧‧Discharge tray

12‧‧‧Guide

12a‧‧‧First rail

12b‧‧‧Second rail

13‧‧‧Open and close the door

14‧‧‧Main body side locking part

14a‧‧‧Drive shaft

14b‧‧‧Rotational force imparting part

15‧‧‧Slider

15a‧‧‧Slope

15b‧‧‧Vertex

16‧‧‧Elastic component

20‧‧‧Display Unit

21‧‧‧Toner storage container

22‧‧‧cover

23‧‧‧Developing container

23aL‧‧‧Arm

23aR‧‧‧Arm

23bL‧‧‧Rotating hole

23bR‧‧‧Rotating hole

26‧‧‧Side members

26L‧‧‧First side member

26R‧‧‧Second side member

28‧‧‧Toner supply room

29‧‧‧Toner Room

32‧‧‧Developing roller

34‧‧‧Magnet roller

38‧‧‧Interval maintaining member

42‧‧‧Vision Knife

43‧‧‧Conveying components

60‧‧‧Clear unit

62‧‧‧Electronic photo photosensitive drum (drum)

64‧‧‧Non-drive side flange

64a‧‧‧hole

66‧‧‧Charged roller

71‧‧‧Clear the frame

71a‧‧‧Embedded hole

71b‧‧‧ Waste toner room

71c‧‧‧stop hub

74‧‧‧Exposure window

75‧‧‧Combined component

76‧‧‧Bearing components

76b‧‧‧Guide Department

76d‧‧‧Cylinder

77‧‧‧Clear knife

78‧‧‧Drum Shaft

86, 386, 486‧‧‧Coupling component

86a‧‧‧Free end

86b‧‧‧Through hole (hole part)

86b1‧‧‧Rotation force transmission part

86p1‧‧‧The First Shedding Regulation Department

86c‧‧‧Joint

86d1~d4‧‧‧Protrusion

86e1~e4‧‧‧Rotation force receiving part

86f‧‧‧Receiving surface

86g‧‧‧Joint

86h‧‧‧Longside Regulation Department

86k1~k4‧‧‧Standby

86m‧‧‧Opening

86z‧‧‧Recess

87, 287, 487‧‧‧Rotational force transmitted member (drive side flange)

87b‧‧‧Fixed part

87d‧‧‧Supported part

87e‧‧‧Kongbu

87f‧‧‧Relief

87g‧‧‧Revolving force transmitted part

87h‧‧‧Longside Regulation Department

87i‧‧‧Storage Department

88‧‧‧Shaft (pin)

89、489‧‧‧Regulatory component

89a‧‧‧Base

89b‧‧‧Protrusion

89b1‧‧‧Longside Regulation Department

89b2‧‧‧Rotation Regulation Department

90‧‧‧screw

287k‧‧‧Recess

287m‧‧‧Relief section

300a‧‧‧Lower guide

300a1‧‧‧First guide

300a2‧‧‧Second guide

300a3‧‧‧The third guide

300b‧‧‧Rotating shaft

300c‧‧‧Brake

300d‧‧‧Bearing Department

300e‧‧‧inclined surface

310‧‧‧Upper guide

310a‧‧‧working surface

310b‧‧‧inclined surface

310c‧‧‧inclined surface

315‧‧‧Compression spring

320‧‧‧Guide member

320a‧‧‧Positioning part

320b‧‧‧Locating surface

320c‧‧‧Rotating shaft

320c‧‧‧Brake

320d‧‧‧Brake

320e‧‧‧Brake

320f‧‧‧Cassette guide

320g‧‧‧Coupling guide

340‧‧‧Fixture

340a‧‧‧Upper guide

340a1‧‧‧First guide

340a2‧‧‧Second guide

340a3‧‧‧third guide

340b‧‧‧Rotating shaft

340c‧‧‧Brake

350‧‧‧Side Panel

351‧‧‧Second side panel

352‧‧‧Motor

353‧‧‧Differential pinion

354‧‧‧Bearing

355‧‧‧Drive gear

356‧‧‧Pull in the spring

356a‧‧‧action part

360‧‧‧Downside guide

360a‧‧‧working surface

A‧‧‧Electronic photo image forming device body (device body)

B‧‧‧Process cassette (cassette)

D‧‧‧Conveying direction

L‧‧‧Laser

T‧‧‧Toner (Developer)

P‧‧‧Thin Sheet (Recording Media)

R‧‧‧Rotation direction

U1‧‧‧Electronic photo photosensitive drum unit (drum unit)

U2, U42‧‧‧Drive side flange unit

L1‧‧‧The axis of rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum

L2, L32, L42‧‧‧Rotation axis of coupling member

θ1‧‧‧Tilt angle

θ2‧‧‧Tilt angle

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the coupling member of the first embodiment to which the present invention is applicable is inclined (tilted) with respect to the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum during rotation.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the first embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a process cassette to which the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the disassembled process cassette of the first embodiment applicable to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a state in which a process cassette is attached and detached in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a process cassette is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus while the coupling member is tilted (tilted) in accordance with a first embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a coupling member to which the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

8 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of an electrophotographic photoreceptor drum unit to which the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum unit is installed in the cleaning unit to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applicable.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exploded drive-side flange unit to which the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view of the structure of a drive side flange unit to which the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 12 is an explanatory view of an assembling method of the drive side flange unit to which the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the dimensions of the first embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 14 is an explanatory view of the structure of a drive side flange unit to which the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a coupling member to which the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 16 is a diagram of a state where the coupling member of the third embodiment to which the present invention is applicable is inclined (tilted) around the axis of the pin.

Fig. 17 is a diagram of a state where the coupling member of the third embodiment of the present invention can be used tilted (tilted) around an axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a coupling member to which the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a flange and a regulating member to which the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 20 is a diagram of an assembling method of the driving side flange unit to which the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a method for regulating the tilting motion of the coupling member 486 in a state where the driving side flange unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a driving section of a fifth embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the disassembled process cassette of the fifth embodiment applicable to the present invention.

Fig. 24 is an explanatory view of a case where the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit is installed in the cleaning unit to which the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the dimensions of the fifth embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the driving part of the device body to which the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of the driving portion of the apparatus body of the fifth embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the driving portion of the apparatus body of the fifth embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 30 is an explanatory diagram of installation and positioning of the cassette to the main body of the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is an explanatory diagram of installation and positioning of the cassette to the main body of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 32 is an explanatory view of the installation and positioning of the cassette to the main body of the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 33 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 34 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 35 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 36 is an explanatory diagram of installing the cassette to the main body of the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 37 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 38 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 39 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 40 is an explanatory diagram of installing the cassette to the main body of the device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is an enlarged view of the driving portion of the main body of the device to which the sixth embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 42 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 43 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 44 is an explanatory diagram of the cassette mounting to the main body of the device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 45 is an explanatory diagram of the cassette mounting to the device body of the sixth embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 46 is an explanatory diagram of the cassette mounting to the main body of the apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 47 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 48 is an explanatory diagram of the cassette mounting to the device body of the sixth embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 49 is an enlarged view of the driving portion of the device body of the seventh embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 50 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 51 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 52 is an enlarged view of the driving portion of the device body of the seventh embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 53 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 54 is an explanatory diagram of installing a cassette to the main body of the device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 55 is an enlarged view of the driving portion of the device body of the seventh embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 56 is an enlarged view of the driving portion of the device body of the eighth embodiment to which the present invention can be applied.

Fig. 57 is an explanatory diagram of installing the cassette to the main body of the device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 58 is an explanatory diagram of installing the cassette to the main body of the device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings are used to explain the cassette and the electronic photo image forming device of the present invention. In the following, the electronic photo image forming apparatus takes a laser beam printer as an example, and exemplifies the process cassette used in the laser printer as the cassette.

In addition, in the following description, the longitudinal direction of the process cassette is a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the process cassette is attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is parallel to the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum. And the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium. In the longitudinal direction, the side of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum that receives the rotational force from the image forming apparatus body is the driving side (the coupling member 86 side in FIG. 4), and the opposite side is the non-driving side.

In addition, the symbols in the explanatory text are used to refer to the drawings and do not limit the constituents.

(Example 1) (1) Description of the composition of the electronic photo image forming device and the image forming process

2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus main body A (hereinafter referred to as the device main body A) and the process cassette (hereinafter referred to as the cassette B) of the electronic photograph image forming apparatus.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cassette B.

Here, the device body A is the part except the cassette B of the electrophotographic image forming device.

The structure of the electronic photo image forming device is explained using FIG. 2.

The electronic photo image forming device shown in FIG. 2 is a laser printer using electronic photo technology that can attach and detach the cassette B to the device body A. When the cassette B is attached to the apparatus body A, the cassette B is arranged under the exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit).

In addition, on the lower side of the cassette B, a sheet tray 4 for storing a recording medium (described below in the sheet P) to be an image formation target is arranged.

Furthermore, the device body A is sequentially arranged along the conveying direction D of the sheet P with a pickup roller 5a, a pair of feed rollers 5b, a pair of conveying rollers 5c, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a conveying guide 8, and a fixing Device 9, discharge roller pair 10, discharge tray 11, etc. In addition, the fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

Next, use Figures 2 and 3 to illustrate the outline of the image forming process.

The electrophotographic photoreceptor drum 62 (hereinafter described as the drum 62) of the rotating body is driven to rotate in the arrow R direction at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in accordance with the printing start signal.

The charging roller 66 to which the bias voltage is applied is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 so that the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 is uniformly charged.

The exposure device 3 outputs laser light L corresponding to image information. This laser light L passes through the exposure window 74 on the upper surface of the cassette B to scan and expose the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, in the developing unit 20 as a developing device, the developer in the toner chamber 29 (hereinafter referred to as "toner (toner) T") is conveyed by the conveying member 43 is rotated to stir, transport, and send out to the toner supply chamber 28.

The toner T is attached to the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 34 (fixed magnet).

The toner T is used by the developing blade 42 to regulate the layer thickness of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 32 while being frictionally charged.

The toner T is transferred to the drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image, and is visualized as a toner image. In other words, the drum rotates by attaching toner (toner image).

And, as shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with the output timing of the laser light L, the pickup roller 5a, the feeding roller pair 5b, and the conveying roller pair 5c are sent from the thin plate tray 4 to the thin plate housed in the lower part of the device body A. Plate P.

Then, the sheet P is fed to the transfer position between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. At this transfer position, the toner images are sequentially transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet P.

The sheet P to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the drum 62 and is conveyed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying guide 8. In addition, the sheet P passes through the nip between the heating roller 9 a and the pressure roller 9 b constituting the fixing device 9.

The toner is pressurized by this clamp. It is fixed to the sheet P by heating and fixing treatment. The sheet P subjected to the fixing process of the toner image is conveyed to the discharge roller pair 10 and discharged to the discharge tray 11.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 3, the drum 62 after transfer is removed by the cleaning knife 77 to remove residual toner on the outer peripheral surface, and is used again in the image forming process. The toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in the waste toner chamber 71 b of the cleaning unit 60.

In the above, the charged roller 66, the developing roller 32, and the cleaning knife 77 are the process means acting on the drum 62.

(2) Description of the composition of cassette B

Next, the overall structure of the cassette B will be described using FIGS. 3 and 4.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cassette B disassembled.

The cassette B is formed by combining the removal unit 60 and the development unit 20.

The cleaning unit 60 is composed of a cleaning frame 71, a drum 62, a charged roller 66, a cleaning knife 77, and the like.

Here, a coupling member 86 is provided at the end of the drum 62 on the driving side. Here, the drum 62 can rotate around a rotation axis L1 (hereinafter referred to as an axis L1) as the drum axis. In addition, the coupling member 86 is rotatable around a rotation axis L2 (described below as the axis L2) as a coupling axis. The coupling member 86 is configured to be able to tilt (tilt) the drum 62. That is, the axis L2 can be inclined with respect to the axis L1 (details will be described later).

On the other hand, the developing unit 20 is composed of a toner storage container 21, a cover 22, a developing container 23, a first side member 26L, a second side member 26R, a developing blade 42, a developing roller 32, a magnet roller 34, The conveying member 43, the toner T, the elastic member 46, and the like are constituted.

The cleaning unit 60 and the imaging unit 20 are rotatably combined with each other by the coupling member 75, thereby forming the cassette B.

Specifically, the arm portions 23aL, 23aR of the developing container 23 formed at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 20 (the axial direction of the developing roller 32) are provided with rotation holes 23bL parallel to the developing roller 32 at the tips. , 23bR.

In addition, fitting holes 71a for fitting the coupling member 75 are formed at both ends of the long side of the cleaning frame 71, respectively.

Furthermore, the arm portions 23aL, 23aR are aligned with the predetermined positions of the cleaning frame 71, and the coupling member 75 is inserted into the rotation holes 23bL, 23bR and the insertion hole 71a, whereby the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20 are combined with the coupling member 75 The center is rotatably combined.

At this time, the elastic member 46 installed at the root of the arm portions 23aL, 23aR hits the cleaning frame 71, and the developing unit 20 is compressed to the cleaning unit 60 with the coupling member 75 as the center of rotation.

In this way, the developing roller 32 can be surely pushed in the direction of the drum 62.

In addition, the development roller 32 is positioned at a predetermined interval from the drum 62 by ring-shaped spacer members (not shown) attached to both ends of the development roller 32.

(3) Instructions for loading and unloading cassette B

Next, the attachment and detachment of the cassette B to the main body A of the apparatus will be explained using FIGS. 5 and 6.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a state where the cassette B is attached to and detached from the device body A.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the cassette B is attached to and detached from the device main body A while the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted).

An opening and closing door 13 is rotatably attached to the device body A.

FIG. 5 shows the state where the opening and closing door 13 is opened. The device body A is provided with a body-side engagement portion 14 as a body-side coupling member, a guide rail 12, and a slider 15 inside.

Here, the guide rail 12 is a body-side guide member that guides the cassette B in the device body A.

In addition, the main body-side engaging portion 14 has a rotational force applying portion 14b (refer to FIG. 6). The main body-side engaging portion 14 is engaged with the coupling 86 and transmits rotational force to the coupling 86. In addition, the main body side engaging portion 14 is rotatably supported by the device main body A. In addition, the main body side engagement portion 14 is supported by the device main body A so as not to move in the direction of its rotation axis or in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis. Thereby, the structure of the device body A can be simplified.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the slider 15 has an inclined surface 15a, an apex 15b, and an inclined surface 15c, and is urged in the X1 direction by the urging member 16 as a spring.

With reference to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a case where the cassette B is attached to and removed from the apparatus body A while following the tilting (tilting) movement of the coupling member 86.

Along the guide rail 12, the cassette B is inserted into the device main body A in the X2 direction (here, the X2 direction is a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L3 of the main body-side engaging portion 14). Then, as shown in FIG. 6(a1)(b1), the slider 15 is retracted in the X5 direction by the contact between the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 and the inclined surface 15a.

At this time, the position of the coupling member 86 is regulated by the free end 86a abutting against the bearing member 76 and the slider 15.

And if the cassette B is inserted in the X2 direction, as shown in FIG. 6 (a2) (b2), the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 will pass the vertex 15b, and will contact|abut to the slope 15c.

Then, as shown in Figs. 6(a3) and (b3), the slider 15 moves in the X1 direction, and the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) to the downstream side in the X2 direction along the guide portion 76b of the bearing member 76.

And if the cassette B is inserted in the X2 direction, as shown in FIG. 6 (a4) (b4), the coupling member 86 will contact the main body side engaging part 14. As shown in FIG. By this abutment to regulate the position of the coupling member 86, the amount of tilt (tilting) of the coupling member 86 will gradually decrease.

If the cassette B is inserted to the installed position, as shown in Figure 6 (a5) (b5), the axis L1 of the drum 62, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, and the axis of the body-side engaging portion 14 are substantially located On the same line.

When the coupling member 86 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 14 in this way, rotational force can be transmitted.

Then, when the cassette B is removed from the main body A of the device, the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1 in the same manner as in the installation operation, thereby disengaging from the main body-side engaging portion 14. That is, the cassette B moves in the direction opposite to the X2 direction (here, the direction opposite to the X2 direction is a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L3 of the body-side engaging portion 14), whereby the coupling member 86 It is detached from the engaging portion 14 on the main body side.

In addition, in this embodiment, the slider 15 is set to leave a gap with the coupling member 86 when the cassette B is at the installed position. This prevents the rotation load of the coupling member 86 from increasing due to the contact of the slider 15.

In addition, the cassette B moves in the X2 direction or the direction opposite to the X2 direction only in the vicinity of the installed position. In other places, the cassette B may move in any direction. In other words, it is only necessary to move in a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis L3 of the main body-side engaging portion 14 at the time when the coupling member 86 is engaged or disengaged.

(4) Description of coupling member 86

The coupling member 86 will be explained using FIG. 7.

Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view of the coupling member, and Fig. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view cut along the S1 plane of Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(c) is a cross-sectional view cut on the S2 plane of Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(d) is a view of the coupling member viewed in a direction orthogonal to the S1 plane of Fig. 7(a).

As shown in FIG. 7, the coupling member 86 mainly has three parts.

The first part is a free end 86 a that is engaged with the main body-side engaging portion 14 and receives a rotational force from the main body-side engaging portion 14.

The second part is a joint 86c that is substantially spherical. This coupling portion 86c is coupled (connected) to the driving side flange 87 of the rotational force transmission member.

The third part is the joining part 86g that joins the free end 86a and the joining part 86c.

As shown in FIG. 7( b ), the free end 86 a has an opening 86 m that expands with respect to the rotation axis L2 of the coupling member 86. Here, the maximum radius of rotation of the free end portion 86a is larger than the maximum radius of rotation of the joint portion 86g.

The opening 86m has a cone-shaped receiving surface 86f as an expanded portion (expanded portion) that expands toward the main body-side engaging portion 14 in a state where the coupling member 86 is attached to the device body A. The receiving surface 86f constitutes a recess 86z. In addition, the recess 86z is in the direction of the axis L2 and has an opening 86m (opening) on the side opposite to the side where the drum 62 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), on the tip side of the free end 86a, on the circumference centered on the axis L2, a plurality of protrusions 86d1 to d4 are arranged at equal intervals. In addition, standby portions 86k1 to 86k4 are provided between each of the protrusions 86d1 to 86d4. Here, it is configured in the radial direction of the coupling member 86, and the recessed portion 86z is located on the inner side of the plurality of protrusions 86d1 to d4. In addition, in the axial direction of the coupling member 86, the recessed portion 86z will be located more inside than the plurality of protrusions 86d1 to d4.

The interval between adjacent protrusions 86d1 to d4 (standby portions 86k1 to k4) is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the rotation force applying portion 14b so that the rotation force applying portion 14b can be located within this interval.

While waiting for the rotational force to be transmitted from the main body-side engaging portion 14 to the coupling member 86, the rotational force applying portion 14b is located at any one of the standby portions 86k1 to k4. Furthermore, in FIG. 7(a), on the downstream side in the X3 direction of the protrusions 86d1 to d4, rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 that intersect the rotation direction of the coupling member 86 are respectively provided.

When the coupling member 86 is engaged with the main body-side engaging portion 14 and the main body-side engaging portion 14 is rotated, the rotational force applying portion 14b will contact the pair of rotational force receiving portions 86e1/86e3, or the rotational force receiving portion 86e2/86e4 On either side. Thereby, the rotational force is transmitted from the main body side engaging portion 14 to the coupling member 86.

In addition, in order to stabilize the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 as much as possible, it is preferable that the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 are arranged on the same circumference having the center on the axis L2. Thereby, the rotational force transmission radius becomes constant, and the rotational torque transmitted to the coupling member 86 becomes stable.

In addition, in order to stabilize the position of the coupling member 86 that receives the rotational force as much as possible, it is preferable to arrange the rotational force receiving portions 86e1, 86e3, and 86e2, 86e4 at positions facing each other at 180°.

In addition, the number of projections 86d1 to d4 is 4 in this embodiment, but as described above, as long as the rotation force applying portion 14b can enter the standby portions 86k1 to 86k4, it can be changed as appropriate. That is, in this embodiment, the protrusion 86d also includes two or six protrusions.

Moreover, the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 may be arranged inside the drive bearing surface 86f. Alternatively, the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 may be arranged in the direction of the axis L2 and protrude outward from the drive bearing surface 86f. In addition, the rotational force receiving portions 86e1 to 86e4 are arranged farther from the axis L2 than the maximum rotation radius of the joint portion 86g.

As shown in FIG. 7, the coupling portion 86c has a spherical shape having a center substantially on the axis L2. The maximum radius of rotation of the coupling portion 86c is larger than the maximum radius of rotation of the coupling portion 86g.

The coupling portion 86c is a hole portion 86b provided with a through hole passing through the orthogonal direction of the axis L2. This hole 86b opens in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L2. Then, the pin 88 penetrates this hole 86b. The clearance between the hole 86b and the pin 88 is set to a degree that allows the coupling member 86 to tilt. The cross-sectional area of this hole 86b is formed in the vicinity of the center of the coupling portion 86c (near the axis L2) and becomes the smallest. The structure expands (expands) as it moves away from the rotation center (axis L2) of the coupling portion 86c. With such a configuration, the coupling member 86 can be tilted (tilted, orbited) in any direction with respect to the drive side flange 87. In addition, the inner side (inner wall) of the hole 86b is provided with a rotational force transmitting portion 86b1 intersecting the rotation direction of the coupling member 86, and a first falling off regulating portion 86p1, a second falling off regulating portion 86p2, and a third falling off regulating portion. Regulation Department 86p3. Here, the first fall-off regulation portion 86p1 and the third fall-off regulation portion 86p3 are located closest to the center of rotation of the hole 86b. In addition, the first fall-off regulating portion 86p1 (a portion near the axis L2) is in contact with the pin 88 in a state where the axis L2 and the axis L1 coincide, thereby regulating the fall of the coupling member. Furthermore, the second fall-off regulation portion 86p2 is a substantially flat surface extending from the first fall-off regulation portion 86p1 to the outside of the coupling portion 86c. Here, the main first fall-off regulating portion 86p1 abuts against the pin 88, thereby preventing the coupling member 86 from falling off. However, when the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted), the second fall-off regulating portion 86p2 or the third fall-off regulating portion 86p3 also abuts against the pin 88, thereby regulating the fall off. In addition, it is also possible to form the second drop-off regulation portion 86p2 or the third drop-off regulation portion 86p3 where the pin 88 does not abut, and only the first drop-off regulation portion 86p1 regulates the falling of the coupling member 86. And, as shown in FIG. 7, the junction part 86g is a cylindrical shape which connects the free end 86a and the junction part 86c, and a cylindrical shape (or cylindrical shape) shaft part substantially along the axis line L2.

In addition, in order to suppress the twisting of the coupling member 86 caused by the rotating load and improve the accuracy of rotation transmission, it is preferable to make the joint portion 86g shorter and thicker.

The material of the coupling member 86 in this embodiment is resin such as polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, and PPS. However, in order to increase the rigidity of the coupling member 86, it is also possible to mix glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc. with the above-mentioned resin in accordance with the load torque. When the aforementioned materials are mixed, the rigidity of the coupling member 86 can be increased. In addition, metal may be inserted into the aforementioned resin to further increase the rigidity, or the entire coupling member 86 may be made of metal or the like.

In addition, the free end portion 86a, the coupling portion 86c, and the coupling portion 86g may be integrally formed, or the individual members may be integrally joined. In this embodiment, these are integrally molded with resin. Thereby, the ease of manufacturing the coupling member 86 and the accuracy of parts are improved.

(5) Description of the structure of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum unit U1

The structure of the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum unit U1 (hereinafter referred to as the drum unit U1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Fig. 8 is an explanatory view of the structure of the drum unit U1, Fig. 8(a) is a perspective view from the driving side, Fig. 8(b) is a perspective view from the non-driving side, and Fig. 8(c) is an exploded perspective view .

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the drum unit U1 is installed in the cleaning unit 60.

As shown in FIG. 8, the drum unit U1 is composed of a drum 62, a driving side flange unit U2, a non-driving side flange 64, and a ground plate 65.

The drum 62 is a conductive member such as aluminum coated with a photosensitive layer on the surface. In addition, the inside of the drum 62 may be hollow or solid inside.

The driving side flange unit U2 is arranged at the end of the drum 62 on the driving side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the driving-side flange unit U2 is an opening 62a1 where the fixed portion 87b of the driving-side flange 87 of the rotational force transmission member is fitted to the end of the drum 62 , It is fixed to the drum 62 by bonding or riveting. Furthermore, if the drive side flange 87 rotates, the drum 62 will rotate integrally. Here, the rotation axis, which is the flange axis of the drive side flange 87, is substantially coaxial (on the same straight line) with the axis L1 of the drum 62, and the drive side flange 87 is fixed to the drum 62.

In addition, the term "substantially coaxial (on the same straight line)" refers to the case where it is completely coaxial (on the same straight line), and also includes the case where the part is slightly deviated from the coaxial (on the same straight line) due to the uneven size of the parts. The same applies to the following description.

Similarly, the non-driving side flange 64 is substantially coaxial with the drum 62 and is arranged at the end of the non-driving side of the drum 62. The non-driving side flange 64 is made of resin, and as shown in FIG. 8(c), the opening 62a2 at the end of the drum 62 is fixed to the drum 62 by adhesion, riveting, or the like. Furthermore, in order to ground the drum 62 to the non-driving side flange 64, a conductive (mainly metal) ground plate 65 is arranged. The ground plate 65 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the drum 62 and is electrically connected to the main body A of the device.

As shown in FIG. 9, the drum unit U1 is supported by the cleaning unit 60.

On the driving side of the drum unit U1, the supported portion 87d of the driving-side flange 87 is rotatably supported by the supporting portion 76a of the bearing member 76 as a supporting member.

The bearing member 76 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by screws 90. On the other hand, on the non-driving side of the drum unit U1, the bearing portion 64a (see FIG. 8(b)) of the non-driving side flange 64 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 78. In addition, the drum shaft 78 is press-fitted and fixed to a support portion 71 b provided on the non-driving side of the cleaning frame 71.

In addition, in this embodiment, the structure of fixing the bearing member 76 to the cleaning frame 71 by the screw 90 is explained, but it may be a structure fixed by adhesion or a structure joined by a molten resin.

In addition, the cleaning frame 71 and the bearing member 76 may be integrated. In this case, one part can be reduced.

(6) Description of drive side flange unit U2

The structure of the drive-side flange unit U2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the driving side flange unit U2, Fig. 10(a) is a view seen from the driving side, and Fig. 10(b) is a view seen from the non-driving side.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view of the structure of the drive side flange unit U2, Fig. 11(a) is a perspective view of the drive side flange unit U2, and Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view cut on the S2 plane of Fig. 11(a) 11(c) is a cross-sectional view cut on the S3 plane of FIG. 11(a).

Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an assembling method of the driving side flange unit U2.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the driving side flange unit U2 has a coupling member 86, a pin 88, a driving side flange 87, and a regulating member 89. Here, the coupling member 86 engages with the main body-side engaging portion 14 to receive rotational force. In addition, the pin 88 is a substantially cylindrical (or cylindrical) shaft portion and extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis L1. Here, the pin 88 receives rotational force from the coupling member 86 and transmits the rotational force to the drive side flange 87. In addition, the drive-side flange 87 receives rotational force from the pin 88 and transmits the rotational force to the drum 62. The regulating member 89 is regulated so that the pin 88 will not fall off from the driving side flange 87.

The related components are explained using FIG. 10.

The coupling member 86 is provided with a free end 86a and a joint 86c as described above. The coupling portion 86c is provided with a hole portion 86b as a through hole. In this hole portion 86b (inside (inner wall)), a rotation force transmission portion 86b1 for transmitting the rotation force to the pin 88 is provided, and for regulating the coupling member The first detachment regulating portion 86p1 that 86 detaches from the driving side flange 87 and abuts on the pin 88.

The driving side flange 87 has a fixed portion 87b, a housing portion 87i, a gear portion (helical gear or spur gear) 87c, and a supported portion 87d. Here, the fixed portion 87b is a portion fixed to the drum 62. In addition, the accommodating portion 87i is provided inside the driving-side flange 87. Here, the storage part 87i is a part which accommodates at least a part of the coupling part 86c of the coupling member 87 inside. In addition, in this embodiment, the pin 88 is arranged inside the storage portion 87i. In addition, the gear portion 87c is a portion that transmits rotational force to the developing roller 32. Furthermore, the supported portion 87d is a portion supported by the supporting portion 76a of the bearing member 76. These are arranged on a line coaxial with the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62.

In addition, the drive side flange 87 has a pair of holes 87e that are shifted by about 180° around the axis L1 when viewed along the rotation axis L1, and penetrate through the direction of the axis L1. In other words, the pair of holes 87e are arranged in parallel with the axis L1 across the axis L1. In addition, the driving side flange 87 has a pair of stopper 87f that covers at least a part of the hole 87e when viewed from the side of the housing portion 87i along the axis L1, and protrudes in a pair of directions intersecting the axis L1. In addition, the driving-side flange 87 has a rotational force transmitting portion 87g that is located behind the stopper 87f when viewed from the housing portion 87i side along the axis L1, and receives a pair of rotational force from the pin 88 described later.

Furthermore, the driving side flange 87 is provided with a long side regulating portion 87h that regulates the movement of the coupling member 86 to the non-driving side (inside the long side of the drum 62).

In addition, in this embodiment, the drive side flange 87 is made of resin molded by injection molding, and its material is polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, or the like. However, the driving side flange 87 may be made of metal due to the application of the load torque for rotating the drum 62.

In addition, in this embodiment, the driving side flange 87 has a gear portion 87 c that transmits rotational force to the developing roller 32. However, the rotation of the developing roller 32 may not particularly pass through the driving side flange 87. In this case, there is no need for the gear portion 87c. However, as in this embodiment, when the gear portion 87c is arranged on the drive side flange 87, the gear portion 87c and the drive side flange 87 may be integrally formed.

The regulating member 89 is a pair of protrusions 89b provided with a disc-shaped base portion 89a that protrudes from the base portion 89a to be substantially parallel to the axis L1, and is offset by about 180° around the axis of the base portion. Here, the regulating member 89 (a pair of protruding portions 89b) is inserted into the driving side flange along the axis L1 from the driven side to the driving side.

Moreover, each protrusion 89b has a long side regulation part 89b1, and a rotation regulation part 89b2, respectively.

The support method and connection method of each component part will be explained using FIG. 11.

The pin 88 regulates the position of the drum 62 in the longitudinal direction (axis line L1) by the stop part 87f and the long-side regulating part 89b1, and regulates the rotation direction of the drum 62 by the rotating force transmitted part 87g and the rotation regulating part 89b2 position. Thereby, the pin 88 is supported (held) by the driving side flange 87 and the regulating member 89. In other words, the both ends of the pin 88 are respectively held by the front end of the protrusion 89b, the stop portion 87f, and the rotation force transmission portion 87g.

In addition, the coupling member 86 regulates movement in the direction perpendicular to the axis L1 of the drive-side flange 87 by the coupling portion 86c abutting on the accommodating portion 87i. Moreover, the movement from the driving side to the non-driving side is regulated by the coupling part 86c abutting against the long side regulating part 87h. Furthermore, the movement of the coupling member 86 from the non-driving side to the driving side is regulated by the abutment of the first fall-off regulating portion 86p1 with the pin 88. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is connected to the driving side flange 87 and the pin 88.

The method of assembling the drive-side flange unit U2 will be explained using FIG. 12.

First, as shown in FIG. 12( a ), the pin 88 is inserted into the hole 86 b of the through hole of the coupling member 86.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), both ends of the pin 88 are inserted into the pair of holes 87e of the drive-side flange 87 (along the axis L1).

Then, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the coupling member 86 and the pin 88 are rotated about the axis L1 (X4 direction) of the drive side flange 87, whereby the two ends of the pin 88 can be moved to a pair of stops. Behind the part 87f.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12(d), the pair of protrusions 89b of the regulating member 89 are inserted into the pair of holes 87e, and the regulating member 89 is fixed to the regulating member 89 by welding or bonding while maintaining this state. Drive side flange 87.

(7) Description of the tilting (tilting) action of the coupling member 86

The tilting (tilting) operation of the coupling member 86 will be explained using FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the axis L1 of the coupling member 86 (including the axis L2) is inclined (tilted). Fig. 1(a1)(a2) is a perspective view of the cassette B in a state where the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted), Fig. 1(b1) is a cross-sectional view cut on the plane S4 of Fig. 1(a1), Fig. 1(b2) ) Is a cross-sectional view cut on the S5 plane of Fig. 1(a2).

The case where the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) with the center of the coupling portion 86c as the center will be explained using FIG. 1.

As shown in Figure 1 (a1) (b1), the coupling member 86 is aligned with the axis L1, centered on the ball center of the joint 86c, around the axis of the pin 88, can be tilted (tilted) to the free end 86a and the bearing Until the rotation regulating portion 76c of the member 76 abuts.

Moreover, as shown in Fig. 1(a2)(b2), the coupling member 86 is on the axis L1, centered on the ball center of the coupling portion 86c, and can be tilted (tilted) around an axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin 88 Until the free end 86a comes into contact with the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76.

Moreover, due to the inclination (tilting) around the axis of the composite pin 88 and the inclination (tilting) around the axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin 88, the coupling member 86 is also in a direction different from the above-described tilt (tilting) direction. Can be tilted (tilt).

In this way, the coupling member 86 is substantially tiltable (tilted) in all directions with respect to the axis L1. That is, the coupling member 86 can be inclined (tilted) in any direction of the axis L1. In addition, the coupling member 86 can move in any direction of the axis L1. In addition, the coupling member 86 can rotate substantially in all directions with respect to the axis L1. Here, the rotation of the coupling member 86 means that the axis L2 after tilting (tilting) rotates around the axis L1.

Next, an example of the dimensions of this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 13.

Z1，將結合部86c的球徑設為

Z2，將接合部86g的直徑設為

Z3。 As shown in Figure 13 (a1), the diameter of the free end 86a is set as

Z1, set the ball diameter of the joint 86c to

Z2, set the diameter of the junction 86g to

Z3.

Z4，將旋轉力賦予部14b的長度設為Z5。 And, the diameter of the spherical shape of the front end of the main body-side engaging portion 14 is set to

Z4, let the length of the rotational force applying portion 14b be Z5.

Z6。 As shown in Figure 13(a2), set the diameter of the pin 88 to

Z6.

As shown in Fig. 13(b1)(b2), the tiltable (tilting) amount around the axis of the pin 88 of the coupling member 86 is set to θ1, and the tiltable (tilting) around the axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 ) Is set to θ2.

Z1=

17.4mm，

Z2=

15mm，

Z3=

10mm，

Z4=

10.35mm，Z5=14.1mm，

Z6=

3mm，θ1=θ2=36.8°。 In this case, for example

Z1=

17.4mm,

Z2=

15mm,

Z3=

10mm,

Z4=

10.35mm, Z5=14.1mm,

Z6=

3mm, θ1=θ2=36.8°.

With the above dimensions, it can be confirmed that the coupling member 86 can be engaged with the body-side engaging portion 14. In addition, it was confirmed that the coupling member 86 was detachable from the main body-side engaging portion 14.

In addition, the above-mentioned size is an example, and other sizes can operate in the same manner, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned size.

As shown in the above description and FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the pin 88 regulates the position in the longitudinal direction by the stop part 87f and the long-side regulating part 89b1, and the rotating force transmitted part 87g and the rotation regulating part 89b2 (Refer to FIG. 10) The position in the rotation direction is regulated and supported by the drive side flange 87 and the regulating member 89.

In addition, the movement in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the driving side flange 87 of the coupling member 86 is regulated by the contact between the coupling portion 86c and the storage portion 87i. In addition, the movement from the driving side of the coupling member 86 to the non-driving side is regulated by the contact between the coupling portion 86c and the long-side regulating portion 87h. Furthermore, the movement from the non-driving side to the driving side of the coupling member 86 is regulated by the abutment of the first fall-off regulating portion 86p1 and the pin 88.

In this way, the coupling member 86 is coupled to the driving side flange 87 and the pin 88.

Thereby, the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member 86 is not restricted at the inner edge of the opening in which the rotational force transmission member 86 is provided, and the coupling member 86 is constituted so that the coupling member 86 does not fall off the driving side flange 87.

With regard to the configuration of the present embodiment, the engaging portion 86g of the coupling member 86 in the inclined (tilted) state can escape the driving side flange 87. Therefore, the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling 86 can be increased more than the conventional structure, and the degree of design freedom can be improved.

Furthermore, since the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member 86 can be increased, the length of the joint portion 86g in the axis L2 direction can be shortened. As a result, the rigidity of the coupling member 86 is increased, and therefore twisting can be suppressed and the rotation transmission accuracy can be improved.

Also, instead of increasing the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member 86, only the space portion thickens the joint portion 86g. In this case, the rigidity of the coupling member 86 also becomes high, so it is possible to suppress distortion and improve the accuracy of rotation transmission.

In addition, the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment are not limited to the scope of the invention unless they are specifically described.

(Example 2)

Next, the form of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be explained based on the drawings.

In addition, in this embodiment, a detailed description will be given on the parts that are different from the foregoing embodiment. Unless described again, the material, shape, etc. are the same as those in the foregoing embodiment. The same numbers are assigned to such parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the configuration for connecting the coupling member 86 to the driving side flange 287 and the pin 88 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the regulation member 89 is not used, and only the driving-side flange 287 supports the pin 88 at a different point.

The structure of the driving-side flange 287 support pin 88 will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view before the coupling 86 and the pin 88 are assembled to the driving side flange 287. FIG.

Fig. 14(b) is a perspective view of the assembled drive-side flange unit, Fig. 14(c) is a cross-sectional view cut on the S6 plane of Fig. 14(b), and Fig. 14(d) is in Fig. 14(b) Sectional view cut through the S7 plane.

As shown in FIG. 14(a), the driving side flange 287 is provided with a pair of recesses 287k shifted by a phase of approximately 180° around the rotation axis. In other words, the pair of recesses 287k are recessed from the side of the housing portion 287i to the side of the drum 62 across the axis L1.

In the state where the pin 88 is inserted into the hole 86b of the coupling member 86, both ends of the pin 88 are inserted into the recess 287k, and the stopper 287m is formed at the entrance of the recess 287k by hot caulking or resin injection. Figure 14(b).

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14(b)(c)(d), the pin 88 is positioned by the recessed portion 287k and the stopper portion 287m, and is supported by the drive side flange 287.

As described above, in this embodiment, the regulation member 89 is not used, and the pin 88 is supported only by the drive-side flange 287. This can reduce the number of parts and reduce costs.

(Example 3)

The form of Example 3 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In addition, in this embodiment, a detailed description will be given on the parts that are different from the foregoing embodiment. Unless described again, the material, shape, etc. are the same as those in the foregoing embodiment. For such parts, the same numbers are assigned, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the point that the coupling member can incline (tilt) substantially all directions with respect to the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62 is the same as in the foregoing embodiment.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the shape of the coupling member and the ball center of the coupling part of the coupling member move in the direction of the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62, and the maximum outer diameter of the coupling part can be from the driving side flange The point where the inside of the storage portion 87i moves to the outside is different from the aforementioned embodiment.

The shape of the coupling member 386 related to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 15.

Fig. 15(a) is a perspective view of the coupling member, and Fig. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view cut along the S8 plane of Fig. 15(a).

As shown in FIG. 15(b), the coupling member 386 of this embodiment has the first falling-off regulating portion 386p1 and the second falling-off regulating portion 386p2 arranged at a position farther away from the free end 386a than in the previous embodiment.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the third drop-off regulating portion 386p3 is formed as a substantially flat surface, and is provided at a position farther from the center of the coupling portion 386c than in the foregoing embodiment.

Next, use FIGS. 16 and 17 to explain that while the coupling member 386 moves in the direction of the axis L1, the largest outer diameter portion of the coupling portion 386c protrudes (disengages) from the receiving portion 87i, and the coupling member 386 is inclined (tilting) with respect to the axis L1 Case.

16 is a diagram of a state where the coupling member 386 is inclined (tilted) around the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1, and FIG. 17 is a diagram of a state where the coupling member 386 is inclined (tilted) around an axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin 88.

First, the case where the coupling member 386 is inclined (tilted) around the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1 will be explained using FIG. 16.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), as in the previous embodiment, once pushed by the slider 15, the coupling member 386 will tilt (tilt) around the axis of the pin 88 to the free end 386a and the bearing member 76 Until the rotation regulating portion 76c of the abutting.

At this time, since the largest outer diameter portion of the coupling portion 386c is located inside the storage portion 87i, the coupling member 386 cannot move in the direction orthogonal to the axis L1 due to the contact between the coupling portion 386c and the storage portion 87i.

In addition, the shape of the coupling member 386 of the present embodiment is such that a gap is left between the third dropout regulation portion 386p3 of the coupling member 386 and the pin 88.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the coupling member 386 moves in the axis L1 direction (X5 direction) until the third dropout regulating portion 386p3 abuts on the pin 88.

Then, a gap is left between the free end portion 386a and the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16( c ), the coupling member 386 is inclined (tilted) around the axis of the pin 88 until the free end portion 386 a abuts the rotation regulating portion 76 c of the bearing member 76.

In addition, by moving in the X5 direction, the position of the ball center of the coupling portion 386c is closer to the driving side than the end of the receiving portion 87i of the driving side flange 87. That is, the largest outer diameter portion of the coupling portion 386c protrudes (leaves) to the outside of the receiving portion 87i.

Therefore, the gap (clearance) between the coupling portion 386c and the receiving portion 87i becomes larger.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16(d), the coupling member 386 moves in the X6 direction until the coupling portion 386c abuts on the storage portion 87i.

Then, a gap is again left between the free end portion 386a and the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16(e), the coupling member 386 is more inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1 around the axis of the pin 88 until the free end 386a abuts the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76 .

Next, the case where the coupling member 386 inclines (tilts) around the axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1 will be explained using FIG. 17.

As shown in Fig. 17(a), as in the previous embodiment, once pushed by the slider 15, the coupling member 386 will tilt (tilt) to the free end around the axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin 88 386a abuts against the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76.

At this time, since the largest outer diameter portion of the coupling portion 386c is located inside the storage portion 87i, the coupling member 386 cannot move in the direction orthogonal to the axis L1 due to the contact between the coupling portion 386c and the storage portion 87i.

In addition, the shape of the coupling member 386 of the present embodiment is such that a gap is left between the first dropout regulation portion 386p1 of the coupling member 386 and the pin 88.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the coupling member 386 moves in the axis L1 direction (X7 direction) until the first regulation portion 386p1 abuts on the pin 88.

Thus, a gap is left between the free end portion 386a and the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17(c), the coupling member 386 is a rotation regulating portion that is more inclined (tilted) to the free end 386a and the bearing member 76 around the axis orthogonal to the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1 Until 76c touches.

In addition, as with the movement in the X5 direction of FIG. 16, by the movement in the X7 direction, the position of the ball center of the coupling portion 386 c is closer to the driving side than the end of the receiving portion 87 i of the driving flange 87. That is, the largest outer diameter portion of the coupling portion 386c protrudes (leaves) to the outside of the receiving portion 87i.

Then, the gap (clearance) between the coupling portion 386c and the accommodating portion 87i increases (similar to FIG. 16(c). In FIG. 17, it is the back surface of the pin 88, so it is not shown).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17(d), the coupling member 386 moves in the X8 direction until the coupling portion 386c abuts on the storage portion 87i.

Then, a gap is again left between the free end portion 386a and the rotation regulating portion 76c of the bearing member 76.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 17(e), the coupling member 386 is more inclined (tilted) around the axis perpendicular to the axis of the pin 88 with respect to the axis L1 to regulate the rotation of the free end 386a and the bearing member 76 The part 76c abuts.

In summary, it is sufficient that at least a part of the coupling portion 386c has a play (clearance) and is accommodated in the storage portion 87i so that the coupling member 386 can move in the direction of the axis L1.

As a result, the configuration of this embodiment is capable of increasing the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member 386 compared with the foregoing embodiment, and the degree of design freedom is improved.

Furthermore, since the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member 386 is larger than that of the foregoing embodiment, the length of the joint portion 386g in the direction of the axis L32 can be further shortened. As a result, the rigidity of the coupling member 386 is changed to be higher, so the twisting is more suppressed, and the rotation transmission accuracy is improved.

Moreover, instead of increasing the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member 386 compared with the foregoing embodiment, only the space portion is thicker than the joint portion 386g. In this case, the rigidity of the coupling member 386 will also be increased, so the twist will be more suppressed, and the rotation transmission accuracy will be improved.

(Example 4)

The form of Example 4 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In addition, in this embodiment, a detailed description will be given on the parts that are different from the foregoing embodiment. Unless described again, the material, shape, etc. are the same as those in the foregoing embodiment. The same numbers are assigned to such parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the point that the coupling member can incline (tilt) substantially all directions with respect to the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62 is the same as in the foregoing embodiment.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the shapes of the coupling member, the driving side flange, and the regulating member are different from the foregoing embodiment.

The shape of the coupling member 486 related to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 18.

Figure 18 (a) is a perspective view of the coupling member 486, Figure 18 (b) is a cross-sectional view cut on the S9 plane of Figure 18 (a), Figure 18 (c) is cut on the S10 plane of Figure 18 (a) Section view.

As shown in FIG. 18, the coupling member 486 of this embodiment has other through holes (first holes) that penetrate from the side of the rotational force receiving portions 486e1 to e4 to the hole portion 486b as the through hole in the direction of the axis L42孔部486i.

In addition, the coupling member 486 is a rib 486n having a rib extending in a direction intersecting the axis L42 inside the hole 486i.

The coupling member 486 is a tilted regulated portion 486r having a portion that is more recessed than the other portions of the substantially spherical coupling portion 486c at the end opposite to the rotational force receiving portions 486e1 to e4 in the direction of the axis L42.

This tilted regulation part 486r is a flat part.

Next, the shapes of the driving side flange 487 and the regulating member 489 according to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 19.

19(a)(b) is a perspective view of the driving side flange 487 and the regulating member 489.

As shown in FIG. 19, the driving-side flange 487 is a hole 487p having a flange through hole (second hole) that penetrates to the side opposite to the housing portion 487i along the axial direction. In addition, the regulating member 489 has a hole 489c penetrating the axial direction.

The method of assembling the drive-side flange unit U42 will be explained using FIG. 20.

Fig.20 (a)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the assembly method of the drive side flange unit U42.

First, as shown in FIG. 20(a), in order to align the phase of the first assembly jig 91, the coupling member 486 is rotated about the axis L42 while inserting the hole 486i of the coupling member 486 into the first assembly jig 91. Assembly fixture 91. Therefore, the phase regulating portion 91a of the first assembly jig 91 and the rib 486n are engaged, and the phase of the coupling member 486 to the first assembly jig 91 can be regulated.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the pin 88 is passed through the hole 486b of the coupling member 486 (shaft insertion process). Then, the pin 88 is sandwiched and held by the first fall-off regulating portion 486p1 of the coupling member 486 and the holding portion 91b of the first assembly jig 91 (shaft support process).

After that, as shown in FIG. 20( c ), as in Example 1, the end of the coupling member 486 and the pin 88 are inserted into the housing portion of the drive side flange 487 together. At this time, both ends of the pin 88 are inserted into the pair of holes 487e of the drive side flange 487.

The configuration of this embodiment is that in the process of passing the pin 88 shown in FIG. 20(b) to the hole 486b of the coupling member 486, the phase of the coupling member 486 is determined, so the pin 88 must be passed to the hole in the same direction.部486b.

And, in a state where the pin 88 shown in FIG. 20(c) is held together with the coupling member 486, the process of inserting both ends of the pin 88 into the pair of holes 487e of the drive side flange 487 (coupling member insertion In the process), the pin 88 is held by the first fall-off regulation part 486p1 and the holding part 91b. Therefore, the pin 88 can be prevented from being displaced or falling off.

Therefore, the assemblability of the drive-side flange unit U42 can be improved compared with the foregoing embodiment.

The method of regulating the tilting motion of the coupling member 486 in the state of the driving side flange unit U42 will be explained using FIG. 21.

Fig. 21(a) is a cross-sectional view of the drive-side flange unit U42, and Fig. 21(b)(c) is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the drive-side flange unit U42.

In the driving side flange unit U42 state, if the second assembly jig 92 is inserted into the hole 487p and the planar pressing portion 92a is pressed to the tilted regulation portion 486r, the axis L42 of the coupling member 486 can be maintained The posture coincides with the axis of the drive side flange 487. That is, the tilting motion of the coupling member 486 can be regulated.

This prevents the drive-side flange unit U42 from changing its posture due to the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 486 during transportation, and the coupling member 486 interferes with the assembly device and is damaged.

Therefore, the assemblability of the drive-side flange unit U42 is improved compared with the foregoing embodiment.

In addition, the shape of the regulated portion 486r to be tilted and the pressing portion 92a may be as shown in FIG. 21(b). The regulated portion 486r to be tilted is a concave conical surface and the pressing portion 92a has a conical shape.

In addition, the shapes of the tilted regulated portion 486r and the pressing portion 92a may be as shown in FIG. 21(c), in which the tilted regulated portion 486r is a conical surface and the pressing portion 92a is a concave conical surface.

In other words, the tilted regulating portion 486r needs only to be more concave than other parts of the substantially spherical coupling portion 486c, and to be pressed under the second assembly jig 92 to regulate the tilting movement of the coupling member 486. free choice.

(Example 5)

In the foregoing embodiments 1 to 4, the process cassette is mounted to the device body by the upper guide fixed to the process cassette and the movable lower side guide provided on the device body to clamp the coupling Member, thereby tilting the coupling member to the downstream side in the installation direction. The same applies to the conventional structure described in FIG. 80 of Patent Document 1.

In such a configuration, the position guided by the upper side of the process cassette may move according to the posture of the cassette during attachment and detachment. Therefore, a slight deviation may occur in the tilt direction of the coupling member.

Therefore, even if the posture of the cassette is inclined at the time of attachment and detachment, it is necessary to improve the dimensional accuracy of the component parts so as to be able to engage the coupling member and the body-side engaging portion.

This embodiment is a further development of such a structure and provides a card in which the coupling member provided on the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum is inclined with respect to the main body side engaging portion provided on the main body of the device, and the coupling member and the main body side engaging portion are engaged. The combined device body can be an electrophotographic image forming device in which a more stable coupling member is engaged with the body-side engaging portion.

In order to achieve the above objective, the present embodiment can provide an electronic photo image forming device, which is an electronic photo image forming device that forms an image on a recording medium, and is characterized by having: (i) a device body with a rotatable body side The engaging portion; (ii) a cassette, which can be installed in the cassette of the device body along a predetermined direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the body-side engaging portion, and has: (ii-i) rotatable The rotating body of and (ii-ii) the coupling member, which is designed to receive the rotating force for rotating the rotating body from the body-side engaging portion, which is rotatable and can tilt against the rotation axis of the rotating body; (iii) ) The first and second guides are used to sandwich the coupling member during the installation of the cassette, whereby in order to tilt the coupling member to the downstream side in the installation direction of the cassette, at least one of them is provided in a movable state. The device body.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a coupling member provided on the electrophotographic photoreceptor drum with respect to the body side engaging portion provided on the main body of the device to engage and release the coupling member and the body side engaging portion. The detachable device body can be an electrophotographic image forming device in which a more stable coupling member is engaged with the body-side engaging portion.

Hereinafter, the description of this embodiment will be made using the drawings.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the cassette B of this embodiment.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a state where the drum unit U1 of this embodiment is installed in the cleaning unit 60.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a case where the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1.

In this embodiment, a part of the shape of the bearing member 76 is different from that in the first embodiment. In other words, the guide portion 76b as in the first embodiment is not provided, and the coupling member 86 is configured to be able to freely rotate (tilt) upward. The other parts are the same as in Example 1. In addition, the bearing member 76 is provided with a cylindrical portion 76d coaxially with the drum unit U1.

Next, the attachment and detachment of the cassette B of the present embodiment to the main body A of the apparatus will be explained.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a state where the cassette B is attached to and detached from the device body A. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 26, the device body A is equipped with a rotatable opening and closing door 13. When the opening and closing door 13 is opened, the drive side is provided with a body-side engaging portion 14, a first rail 12a, a second rail 12b, a lower guide 300a as a first guide (fixed guide), and a second guide (movable guide). Guide) on the upper side guide 310 and so on.

Here, the first guide rail 12a and the second guide rail 12b guide the cassette B into the device body A. In particular, the first guide rail 12a constitutes a movement path of the coupling member 86 when the cassette B is attached to or removed from the device body.

In addition, the main body-side engaging portion 14 has a rotational force applying portion 14 b (see FIG. 22 ), is engaged with the coupling member 86, and transmits rotational force to the coupling member 86. In addition, the body-side engaging portion 14 is rotatably supported by the device body A, and is supported by the device body A in a direction of its rotation axis or a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis so as to be immovable.

After opening the opening and closing door 13 of the device body A, install the cassette B in the direction of arrow X1 in the figure.

The structure of the cassette drive unit of the main body A of the apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 27 to 29.

22 is a perspective view of the driving part of the device body A, FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the driving part, FIG. 28 is a partially enlarged view of the driving part, and FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view cut on the S6 plane shown in FIG. 28.

The cassette driving part is composed of the main body side engaging part 14, the side plate 350, the clamp 300, the driving gear 355, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 29, the drive shaft 14a of the main body-side engaging portion 14 is fixed to the drive gear 355 so as not to rotate by means not shown. Therefore, when the drive gear 355 rotates, the main body side engaging portion 14 also rotates. In addition, the drive shaft 14a is rotatably supported at both ends by the bearing 300d and the bearing 354 of the jig 300.

As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, the motor 352 is attached to the second side plate 351, and a pinion gear 353 is provided on the rotating shaft. The differential pinion 353 is meshed with the driving gear 355. Therefore, when the motor 352 rotates, the drive gear 355 rotates, and the body-side engaging portion 14 also rotates.

The second side plate 351 and the clamp 300 are respectively fixed to the side plate 350.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 27, the guide member 320 includes a cassette guide portion 320f and a coupling guide portion 320g, and constitutes a first rail 12a and a second rail 12b. The guide member 320 is also fixed to the side plate 350.

As shown in FIG. 28, the jig 300 is provided with a lower guide 300a as a first guide (fixed guide), a rotating shaft 300b, and a stopper 300c. The rotating shaft 300b is rotatably provided with an upper guide 310 as a second guide (movable guide), and is biased in the direction of arrow N in the figure by an elastic spring 315 as an elastic member (elastic member) (refer to FIG. 28) . At this time, the upper guide 310 is in contact with the stopper 300c and determines the position in the direction of the arrow N in the figure. The position of the upper guide 310 at this time is referred to as an action position. In addition, the lower guide 300a has a convex portion that protrudes toward the upper guide 310.

Use Figure 30~Figure 32 to illustrate the installation and positioning of the cassette B to the device body A. Here, in order to make the description easy to understand, only the parts necessary for positioning are illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 for description. In addition, the case where the cassette B is attached to the device body A while the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) will be described later.

Figures 30 to 32 are diagrams viewed from the outside of the device body A, showing the case where the cassette B is mounted on the device body A in sequence.

As shown in FIG. 30, the guide member 320 is provided with a pull-in spring 356. The pull-in spring 356 is rotatably supported by the rotation shaft 320c of the guide member 320, and is fixed in position by the brakes 320d and 320e. At this time, the action portion 356a of the pull-in spring 356 is urged in the direction of arrow J in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 30, when the cassette B is mounted to the device body A, the rotation stop hub 71c of the cassette B can be inserted along the second guide rail 12b into the circle of the cassette B in the first guide rail 12a. The cylindrical part 76d (refer also to FIG. 24). At this time, so that the cylindrical portion 76d of the cassette B can abut against the cassette guide portion 320f of the guide member 320, the coupling 86 is mounted to abut against the coupling guide member 320g.

Moreover, once the cassette B is inserted in the arrow X2 direction in the figure, as shown in FIG. 31, the cylindrical portion 76d of the cassette B and the action portion 356a of the pull-in spring 356 abut. Thereby, the acting portion 356a is elastically deformed in the direction of arrow H in the figure.

Then, the cassette B is installed in a predetermined position (installation completed position) (refer to FIG. 32). At this time, the cylindrical portion 76d of the cassette B contacts the positioning portion 320a of the guide member 320. Similarly, the anti-rotation hub 71c of the cassette B will contact the positioning surface 320b of the guide member 320. In this way, the position of the cassette B is determined for the device body A.

At this time, the action portion 356a of the pull-in spring 356 pushes the cylindrical portion 76d of the cassette B in the direction of arrow G in the figure, and the contact between the cylindrical portion 76d of the cassette B and the positioning portion 320a of the guide member 320 will be It is carried out surely. Thereby, the cassette B is correctly positioned on the device body A.

The case where the cassette B is attached to the device body A while the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 40. In order to make the description easy to understand, only the parts necessary for the inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 are illustrated and described.

Figures 33 to 40 show the case where the cassette B is mounted on the device body A in order. Figures 33 to 40 (b) are schematic views of the installation from the outside (side) of the device body A, and Figures 33 to 40 (a) are along the arrows shown in Figure 33 (b) A schematic view from the M direction. In addition, in order to make it easier to see the figure, some parts are omitted.

FIG. 33 is a state where the cassette B is started to be installed in the main body A of the apparatus. At this time, the coupling member 86 is inclined to the direction of gravity. In addition, the upper guide 310 at this time is a state (acting position) in which at least a part of the movement path of the coupling member 86 is performed.

FIG. 34 shows the subsequent state. When the cassette B is inserted in the direction of the arrow X2 in the figure, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 abuts the first guide portion 300a1 of the lower guide 300a of the clamp 300. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) on the side opposite to the installation direction.

35 is a later state. If the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 will abut the second guide portion 300a2 of the lower guide 300a, and the coupling member 86 will tilt (tilt) on Arrow X3 direction in the picture. That is, the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) to guide 310 (upward) upward.

At this time, the coupling member 86 performs a orbiting motion, and as shown in FIG. 35(a), when viewed from above, the axis L2 is substantially aligned with the axis L1.

That is, when moving from FIG. 34 to the state of FIG. 35, the coupling member 86 performs a tilting (tilting) motion to the downstream side in the X2 direction together with the tilting (tilting) motion in the X3 direction.

Therefore, even if the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) to the upstream side of the mounting direction (the direction opposite to X2) due to friction with other members (FIG. 34), it can still be guided by the second guide portion of the lower side guide 300a The contact of 300a2 tilts to the downstream side in the X2 direction so that the axis L2 can substantially coincide with the axis L1. That is, when viewed from above, the coupling member 86 is moved so that the amount of inclination of the axis L2 to the axis L1 can be reduced by contact with the second guide portion 300a2.

Fig. 36 shows a state where the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction. That is, the state where the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is in contact with the upper guide 310 is shown. With this abutment, the upper guide 310 will resist the elastic force of the spring in the direction of arrow N in the figure, and rotate to the direction of arrow Q in the figure. As a result, the upper guide 310 takes the retracted position moved in the direction away from the movement path of the coupling member 86.

Fig. 37 shows a state where the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction. That is, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is sandwiched by the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide 300a and the action surface 310a of the upper guide 310. At this time, at the free end 86a, the elastic force F1 acts on the action surface 310a of the guide 310 from the upper side. At this time, the component of the elastic force F1 in the direction parallel to the third guide portion 300a3 is the component force F12. With this component force F12, the coupling member 86 is completely inclined (tilted) to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction), and is in the state shown in FIG. 38. In other words, the upper guide 310 is restored from the retracted position to the acting position by the elastic force of the biasing spring 315, thereby tilting (tilting) the coupling member 86 to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction).

Fig. 39 shows a state where the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction. That is, the opening part 86m of the coupling member 86 is about to fall on the main body side engaging part 14 in the state.

Fig. 40 shows a state in which the cassette B is further inserted until the cassette B reaches the mounting position. At this time, the axis L1 of the drum 62, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, and the axis of the body-side engaging portion 14 are substantially the same.

When the coupling member 86 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 14 in this way, rotational force can be transmitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction), the guide 300a is provided on the lower side of the device body A and the guide is provided on the upper side of the device body A. 310 to make force act on the coupling member 86.

Therefore, even if the cassette B moves in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction in the guide rail or rotates around the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62, the coupling member 86 can still be inclined to the device body A substantially in the same direction. In other words, regardless of the posture of the cassette B during the installation process, the coupling member 86 can easily maintain the same posture with the device body A substantially.

In this way, stable engagement between the coupling member 86 and the body-side engagement portion 14 can be achieved.

In addition, during the installation of the cassette B, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is tilted to the upper side (X3 direction) and also to the downstream side in the X2 direction by the lower guide 300a.

Since the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 is tilted to approach the axis L1 of the drum 62 in this way, the amount of tilting momentum to the downstream side in the X2 direction generated by the elastic force F1 of the coupling member 86 from the upper guide 310 can be reduced.

That is, the upper guide 310 of the movable member can be reduced.

In this way, the degree of freedom of design is improved, and the parts can be miniaturized and cost reduced.

When the cassette B is removed from the main body A of the device, the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1 in the opposite direction to the installation operation, thereby disengaging from the main body-side engaging portion 14.

In addition, in this embodiment, the upper guide 310 is set to leave a gap in the pair of coupling members 86 when the cassette B is at the installed position. This prevents the rotation load of the coupling member 86 from increasing due to the contact with the upper guide 310.

In addition, the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent parts described in this embodiment, unless specifically stated specifically, do not limit the scope of the invention to these. The coupling member and the rotational force transmitting member of any one of Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 4 can also be applied to the device body of this embodiment.

(Example 6)

Next, the mode of Example 6 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In addition, in this embodiment, a detailed description will be given of the differences from Embodiment 5. Unless stated again, the material, shape, etc. are the same as in Example 5. The same numbers are assigned to such parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

This embodiment is explained in Fig. 41. Fig. 41 is a partial enlarged view of the driving section. The present embodiment is a configuration of the device body A in which the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) with respect to the aforementioned first embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 41, the clamp 340 is provided with an upper guide 340a as a first guide (fixed guide), a rotation shaft 340b, and a stopper 340c. The rotating shaft 340b is rotatably provided with a lower guide 360 as a second guide (movable guide), and is urged in the direction of arrow K in the figure by an unshown urging spring. At this time, the lower guide 360 is in contact with the stopper 340c and determines the position in the direction of the arrow K in the figure. In addition, the upper guide 340a has a convex portion protruding to the lower guide 360.

The case where the cassette B is attached to the device body A while the operation of the coupling member 86 is tilted will be explained using FIGS. 42 to 48. Figures 42 to 48 show that the cassette B is installed in the device body A in sequence. Figures 42 to 48(b) are schematic views of the installation as viewed from the outside (side) of the device body A, and Figures 42 to 48(a) are along the arrows shown in Figure 42(b) A schematic view from the M direction. In addition, in order to make it easier to see the figure, some parts are omitted.

FIG. 42 is a state where the cassette B is installed to the main body A of the apparatus. At this time, the coupling member 86 is inclined downward. In addition, the lower guide 360 at this time is a state (acting position) in which a part of it enters the movement path of the coupling member 86.

Figure 43 is the subsequent state, showing the state where the cassette B is inserted in the direction of the arrow X2 in the figure. That is, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 will abut the first guide 340a1 of the upper guide 340a of the clamp 340. Thereby, the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) to the side opposite to the installation direction.

Fig. 44 is a later state. If the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 will abut the second guide 340a2 of the upper guide 340a, and the coupling member 86 will tilt (tilt) on Arrow X4 direction in the picture. That is, the coupling member 86 guides 360 (downward) tilting (tilting) downward.

At this time, the coupling member 86 performs a orbiting movement, and as shown in FIG. 44(a), when viewed from above, the axis L2 is substantially tilted to coincide with the axis L1.

That is, when moving from FIG. 43 to the state of FIG. 44, the coupling member 86 performs a tilt (tilt) operation in the X4 direction, and also performs a tilt (tilt) operation to the downstream side in the X2 direction.

Therefore, even if the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) to the upstream side of the mounting direction (the opposite direction to X2) due to friction with other members, it can still be tilted by contacting the second guide portion 340a2 of the upper guide 340a (Tilting) to the downstream side in the X2 direction, so that the axis L2 can substantially coincide with the axis L1. That is, when viewed from above, the coupling member 86 is moved so that the amount of inclination of the axis L2 with respect to the axis L1 can be reduced by contact with the second guide portion 340a2.

Fig. 45 shows a state where the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction. That is, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is sandwiched by the third guide 340a3 of the upper guide 340a and the action surface 360a of the lower guide 360. At this time, at the free end 86a, the elastic force F2 acts on the action surface 360a of the guide 360 from the lower side. At this time, the component of the elastic force F2 in the direction parallel to the third guide portion 340a3 is the component force F22. With this component force F22, the coupling member 86 is completely inclined (tilted) to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction), and is in the state shown in FIG. 46. In other words, the lower guide 360 returns from the retracted position to the acting position by elastic force, thereby tilting (tilting) the coupling member 86 to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction).

Fig. 47 shows a state where the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction. That is, the opening part 86m of the coupling member 86 is about to fall on the main body side engaging part 14 in the state.

Fig. 48 shows a state where the cassette B is further inserted until the cassette B reaches the position where the installation is completed. At this time, the axis L1 of the drum 62, the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, and the axis of the body-side engaging portion 14 are substantially the same.

When the coupling member 86 is engaged with the main body side engaging portion 14 in this way, rotational force can be transmitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction), the guide 340a provided on the upper side of the device body A and the guide provided on the lower side of the device body A 360 to make force act on the coupling member 86.

Therefore, even if the cassette B moves in a direction orthogonal to the installation direction in the guide rail or rotates around the rotation axis L1 of the drum 62, the coupling member 86 can still be inclined to the device body A substantially in the same direction. In other words, regardless of the posture of the cassette B during the installation process, the coupling member 86 can easily maintain the same posture with the device body A substantially.

In this way, stable engagement between the coupling member 86 and the body-side engagement portion 14 can be achieved.

In addition, by the contact with the upper guide 340a during the installation of the cassette B, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 will tilt (tilt) to the lower side (X4 direction) and tilt (tilt) to the downstream side in the X2 direction .

In this way, the coupling member is inclined (tilted) to the downstream side in the X2 direction in advance so that the axis L2 can coincide with the axis L1. Therefore, the amount of inclination (tilting) of the coupling member 86 toward the downstream side in the X2 direction due to the elastic force F2 from the lower guide 360 can be reduced.

That is, the lower guide 360 of the movable member can be reduced.

In this way, the degree of freedom of design is improved, and the parts can be miniaturized and cost reduced.

When the cassette B is removed from the main body A of the device, the coupling member 86 is inclined (tilted) with respect to the axis L1 in the opposite direction to the installation operation, thereby disengaging from the main body-side engaging portion 14.

In addition, in this embodiment, the lower guide 360 is set to leave a gap with the coupling member 86 when the cassette B is at the installed position. This prevents the rotation load of the coupling member 86 from increasing due to the contact with the lower guide 360.

In addition, the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment are not limited to the scope of the invention unless they are specifically described. The coupling member and the rotational force transmitting member of any one of Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 4 can also be applied to the device body of this embodiment.

(Example 7)

Next, the mode of Example 7 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In addition, in this embodiment, a detailed description will be given of the differences from Embodiment 5. Unless described again, the material, shape, etc. are the same as in the above-mentioned Embodiment 5. The same numbers are assigned to such parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In this embodiment, the coupling member 86 of the main body A of the device is inclined (tilted) differently from the above-mentioned fifth embodiment.

Fig. 49(a) is a perspective view of the driving unit, and Fig. 49(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut on the S7 plane of Fig. 49(a).

As shown in Figure 49 (a) and (b), the second guide (movable guide) 310 is guided on the upper side to guide 300a away from the lower side as it goes to the inside of the device body A (the arrow X5 direction in the figure) The inclined surface 310b is provided in such a way that the distance will be enlarged.

Explain that in this configuration, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is sandwiched by the lower guide 300a and the upper guide 310, and is inclined (tilted) to the downstream side (X2 direction) in the mounting direction than the axis L1 of the drum 62 ( Refer to Figure 51) for the operation.

Figure 50 (a) is a schematic view of the installation of the cassette B viewed from the outside of the device body A, Figure 50 (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut on the S8 plane of Figure 50 (a), and Figure 51 is A schematic view as viewed from the direction of arrow M in FIG. 50(a). In addition, in order to make it easier to see the figure, some parts are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 50, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 abuts so as to be sandwiched between the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide 300a and the inclined surface 310b of the upper guide 310.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 50(b), at the free end 86a, the elastic force F1 guides the inclined surface 310b of 310 from the upper side and acts in a direction perpendicular to the surface. Moreover, in the figure, the elastic force F1 is decomposed into the component force F13 in the inner direction (X5 direction) of the body and the component force F14 in the straight direction.

FIG. 50(a) shows the component force F15 in the direction parallel to the third guide portion 300a3 among the component forces F14 acting on the free end 86a.

As shown in FIG. 51, the resultant force F3 of the component force F15 and the component force F13 acts on the free end 86a, and the resultant force F3 causes the coupling member 86 to tilt (tilt) to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction).

When the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted), the force acting on the free end 86a acts in a direction orthogonal to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, and the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) around the center of rotation (refer to FIG. 11) The moment of force will increase, and it can tilt (tilt) well.

As shown in FIG. 51, in this embodiment, compared with the resultant force when the component force F13 does not act (F12 in FIGS. 37 and 38), the resultant force F3 acts on the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 more orthogonally Direction. Therefore, the moment when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) around the center of rotation has a large effect. Therefore, it is possible to tilt (tilt) more stably to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction).

If the cassette B is further inserted in the X2 direction, the coupling member 86 and the main body side engaging portion 14 will engage.

As described above, according to this configuration, the coupling member 86 and the main body-side engaging portion 14 can be more stably engaged.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 52, the third guide portion 300a3 that guides 300a on the lower side may be inclined so that the distance from the upper guide 310 increases toward the inside of the device body A (arrow X5 direction in the figure).面300e.

Fig. 52(a) is a perspective view of the drive unit, and Fig. 52(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut on the S9 plane of Fig. 52(a).

Explain that in this configuration, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is sandwiched by the lower guide 300a and the upper guide 310, and is inclined (tilted) to the downstream side (X2 direction) in the mounting direction than the axis L1 of the drum 62 ( Refer to Figure 54) for the operation.

Fig. 53(a) is a schematic view of the installation when viewed from the outside of the device body A, Fig. 53(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut on the S10 plane of Fig. 53(a), and Fig. 54 is along the line of Fig. 53( The schematic view of the arrow M in a). In addition, some parts are omitted for easy viewing of the figure.

As shown in FIG. 53, the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is sandwiched by the inclined surface 300e of the third guide portion 300a3 of the lower guide 300a and the action surface 310a of the upper guide 310.

As shown in FIG. 53(a), at the free end 86a, the elastic force F1 acts on the action surface 310a of the guide 310 from the upper side. In the figure, the component of the elastic force F1 in the direction parallel to the third guide portion 300a3 is the component force F12. In addition, the component of the elastic force F1 in the direction perpendicular to the third guide portion 300a3 is the component force F16.

As shown in FIG. 53(b), the inclined surface 300e for guiding 300a from the lower side is a direction in which force F6 acts on the opposite surface. In the figure, this force F6 is decomposed into the component force F62 in the inner direction of the body and the component force F61 in the straight direction.

Here, F61 is the reaction to F16.

As shown in FIG. 54, the resultant force F4 of the component force F12 and the component force F62 acts on the free end 86a, and the resultant force F4 causes the coupling member 86 to incline (tilt) to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction).

As shown in FIG. 54, in this embodiment, compared with when the component force F62 is not acting (F12 in FIGS. 37 and 38), the resultant force F4 acts in a direction more orthogonal to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 . Therefore, the moment when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted) around the center of rotation has a large effect. Therefore, the coupling member 86 can be tilted (tilted) more stably to the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction).

Furthermore, once the cassette B is inserted in the X2 direction, the coupling member 86 and the main body side engaging portion 14 will engage.

As described above, according to this configuration, more stable engagement between the coupling member 86 and the main body-side engagement portion 14 can be achieved.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 55, both the inclined surface 310b and the inclined surface 300e may be provided.

Fig. 55(a) is a perspective view of the drive unit, and Fig. 55(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along the S11 plane of Fig. 55(a).

With regard to this structure, it has been explained that the component force F13 from the inclined surface 310b and the F62 from the inclined surface 300e act simultaneously, and the coupling member 86 can be stably inclined (tilted) on the downstream side in the installation direction (X2 direction). Therefore, stable engagement between the coupling member 86 and the body-side engagement portion 14 can be achieved.

The details of the acting force have already been explained, so it is omitted.

In addition, the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment are not limited to the scope of the invention unless they are specifically described. The coupling member and the rotational force transmitting member of any one of Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 4 can also be applied to the device body of this embodiment.

(Example 8)

Next, the mode of Example 8 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

In addition, in this embodiment, a detailed description will be given on the parts that are different from the foregoing embodiment. Unless described again, the material, shape, etc. are the same as those in the foregoing embodiment. The same numbers are assigned to such parts, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

This embodiment is different from the aforementioned Embodiment 7 in the configuration of the inclined surface.

Fig. 56(a) is a perspective view of the drive unit, Fig. 56(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut on the S12 plane of Fig. 56(a), and Fig. 56(c) is cut on the S13 plane of Fig. 56(a) Schematic section view.

As shown in FIGS. 56(b) and (c), the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined surface 310c in FIG. 56(b) and the inclination angle θ2 of the inclined surface 310c in FIG. 56(c) are θ1<θ2.

That is, as the inclined surface 310c of the upper guide 310 progresses to the downstream side in the installation direction of the cassette, the inclination angle that expands toward the inside (X5 direction) of the device body A becomes larger.

Fig. 57 shows a state where the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 is sandwiched by the lower guide 300a and the upper guide 310, and is inclined (tilted) to the downstream side (X2 direction) in the installation direction than the axis L1 of the drum 62 .

Fig. 58 shows a state in which the cassette B is further mounted on the downstream side of the device body.

This configuration is as shown in Figs. 57 and 58, as the cassette B is installed to the downstream side in the installation direction, the coupling 86 is inclined (tilted) to the X2 side.

Similarly, as the cassette B is installed to the downstream side in the installation direction, the component force F13 acting on the free end 86a of the coupling member 86 in the direction of the inner side (X5 direction) of the device body increases.

That is, with this configuration, as the cassette B is installed to the downstream side in the installation direction, the coupling 86 is inclined (tilted) to the X2 side, and the component force F13 in the inner direction of the device body A also increases.

Fig. 57 shows the resultant force F5 of the component force F13 and the component force F15 acting on the free end 86a of the inclination (tilting) amount toward the X2 side of the coupling 86 at this point in time.

Comparing FIG. 58 with FIG. 57 in the state where the cassette B is mounted on the downstream side in the mounting direction, the amount of inclination (tilting) on the X2 side of the coupling 86 becomes larger. In addition, the component force F13 in the inner direction of the main body of the device will also become larger when compared with FIG. Graph the resultant force F5 of the component force F13 and the component force F15 at this time.

As described above, when the coupling member 86 is tilted (tilted), when the force acting on the free end 86a acts in a direction orthogonal to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86, the tilting (tilting) moment will increase, and the Tilt (tilt) well.

In this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, in accordance with the change in the amount of inclination (tilting) on the X2 side of the coupling 86, the resultant force F5 changes in a direction closer to orthogonal to the axis L2 of the coupling member 86 and acts.

That is, in accordance with the amount of inclination (tilting) of the coupling 86 that changes according to the installation of the cassette B, the resultant force F5 can be applied to a more ideal direction for tilting (tilting). Therefore, the coupling 86 can be tilted (tilted) to the X2 side more stably.

Furthermore, once the cassette B is inserted in the X2 direction, the coupling member 86 and the main body side engaging portion 14 will engage.

As described above, according to this structure, more stable engagement between the coupling member 86 and the body-side engagement portion 14 can be achieved.

In addition, the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in this embodiment are not limited to the scope of the invention unless they are specifically described. The coupling member and the rotational force transmitting member of any one of Embodiment 2 to Embodiment 4 can also be applied to the device body of this embodiment.

(Other embodiments)

The foregoing embodiments illustrate the application of the present invention to the process cassette, but it is not limited thereto.

For example, the present invention can also be suitably applied to drum units that do not have process means.

In addition, the present invention is applicable to a developing cartridge that does not include an electrophotographic photoreceptor drum, and can also be applied to a developing roller (rotating for attaching toner) from the main body side engaging portion to transmit the rotational force. In this case, the coupling member 86 replaces the photosensitive drum and transmits rotational force to the developing roller 32 as a rotating body.

In addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the driving-side flanges 87 and 287 as the rotational force transmission members are fixed to the long side ends of the drum 62 of the rotating body, but they may not be fixed and may be independent members. For example, it may be a gear member that transmits rotational force to the drum 62 or the developing roller 32 through gear coupling.

In addition, the cassette B in the foregoing embodiment is used to form a monochrome portrait. However, it is not limited to this. The present invention is also applicable to a cassette that is provided with a plurality of developing means to form images of plural colors (for example, a two-color image, a three-color image, or a full-color image).

Moreover, the present invention is applicable regardless of whether the loading and unloading path for the cassette B of the device body A is a straight line, or the loading and unloading path is a combination of straight lines, or a curved path.

The present invention is applicable to cassettes used in electronic photo image forming devices and drive transmission devices used in these.

[Industrial use possibility]

According to the present invention, there is provided a drive transmission device, which is an electrophotographic image forming device body that does not have a mechanism for moving the body-side engaging portion in the direction of its rotation axis, and moves to be substantially in line with the rotation axis of the rotating body. After crossing the predetermined direction, it can be detached to the cassette on the outside of the device body. The inner edge of the storage part provided on the inner side of the rotating force transmission member does not limit the tiltable (tilting) amount of the coupling member, and can regulate the coupling The component falls off.

In addition, a cassette using the aforementioned drive transmission device can be provided.

62‧‧‧Electronic photo photosensitive drum (drum)

76‧‧‧Bearing components

76c‧‧‧Rotation Regulation Department

86‧‧‧Coupling component

86a‧‧‧Free end

86p1‧‧‧The First Shedding Regulation Department

86c‧‧‧Joint

86g‧‧‧Joint

87‧‧‧Rotational force transmitted member (drive side flange)

87f‧‧‧Relief

87h‧‧‧Longside Regulation Department

87i‧‧‧Storage Department

88‧‧‧Shaft (pin)

89‧‧‧Regulatory components

89b1‧‧‧Longside Regulation Department

L1‧‧‧The axis of rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum

L2‧‧‧Rotation axis of coupling member

Claims (28)

A transmission unit for transmitting rotational force to a rotating member. The rotating member is rotatable and carries a developing device. The transmission unit includes: (i) a gear including a receiving portion on the inner side; (ii) a coupling member, including: (ii-i) The free end has at least one protrusion; (ii-ii) The coupling part is connected to the aforementioned gear and at least a part of it is housed in the aforementioned receiving part so that the rotation axis of the aforementioned coupling member can be opposed to each other The rotation axis of the gear is inclined; and (ii-iii) a through hole that penetrates the coupling portion; and (iii) a shaft portion that can receive the rotational force from the coupling member and penetrates the through hole, and The two opposite ends are supported by the gears to allow the coupling member to tilt with respect to the shaft. Such as the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the shaft portion is arranged inside the receiving portion. For example, the transmission unit of item 1 or 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein the coupling member is prevented from falling off the gear. For example, the transmission unit of claim 1, wherein the shaft part abuts the inside of the through hole, so that the rotational force can be transmitted from the coupling member to the shaft part. For example, in the transmission unit of claim 1, wherein the shaft portion is arranged to extend in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the gear. Such as the transmission unit of item 1 of the scope of patent application, where the aforementioned The through hole is opened in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the aforementioned coupling member. Such as the transmission unit of the first item in the scope of the patent application, wherein the cross-sectional area of the through hole is the smallest formed in the vicinity of the rotation axis of the coupling member. For example, in the transmission unit of item 7 of the scope of patent application, the cross-sectional area of the through hole becomes larger with the distance from the rotation axis of the coupling member. As for the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, in the state where the rotation axis of the coupling member and the rotation axis of the gear are aligned with each other, the portion near the rotation axis of the coupling member and the aforementioned through hole are The shaft abuts to prevent the coupling member from falling off the gear. For example, in the transmission unit of claim 1, wherein the through hole has a play for the shaft portion, so that the coupling member can move in the direction of the rotation axis of the gear. For example, the transmission unit of the 10th item of the scope of patent application, wherein the maximum outer diameter portion of the coupling portion is configured to be movable from the inner side to the outer side of the receiving portion. For example, in the transmission unit of claim 11, the coupling member is configured to be movable perpendicular to the rotation axis of the gear in a state where the maximum outer diameter of the coupling portion is outside the receiving portion Direction, and in a state where the largest outer diameter portion of the coupling portion is located inside the accommodating portion, the coupling member is configured not to move against the gear The direction in which the axis of rotation is orthogonal. For example, the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned gear includes: i) a pair of holes, which pass through the rotation axis of the aforementioned gear in parallel with the direction of the rotation axis of the aforementioned gear; ii) a pair of holes The anti-release portion, which is along the direction of the rotation axis of the gear, covers each part of the pair of holes when viewed from the side of the receiving portion, and protrudes in the direction intersecting the rotation axis of the gear; iii) The pair of rotational force transmission parts are configured to be respectively located behind the pair of anti-release parts and receive the rotational force from the shaft part. For example, the transmission unit of item 13 of the scope of patent application further includes a regulating member. The regulating member has a pair of protrusions, and the pair of protrusions are inserted from the side opposite to the receiving portion along the rotation axis of the gear. Into the aforementioned pair of holes to combine the aforementioned regulation member with the aforementioned gear. For example, the transmission unit of claim 14, wherein the opposite ends of the shaft portion are respectively supported by the free ends of the protruding portion, the stop portion and the gear. For example, the transmission unit of claim 14, wherein, after the opposite ends of the shaft portion are inserted into the pair of holes, the shaft portion rotates around the rotation axis of the gear, thereby making the shaft The opposite ends are moved to the backs of the pair of stopper parts, and in the aforementioned state, the pair of protrusions are inserted into the pair of holes, whereby the shaft part is supported by the gear . For example, in the transmission unit of the 16th patent application, after the opposite ends of the shaft portion are inserted into the receiving portion along the rotation axis of the gear, the shaft portion rotates around the rotation axis of the gear. For the transmission unit of claim 1, wherein the gear train has a pair of concave portions recessed from the receiving portion side to the rotating member side via the rotation axis of the gear, wherein the shaft portion In the state where the opposite ends of the spool are inserted into the pair of concave portions, the entrance of the concave portion is closed by clamping or injecting resin material, whereby the shaft portion is supported by the gear. Such as the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned coupling part is spherical. For example, the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned coupling part has a tilted regulation part that is more recessed than other parts of the aforementioned coupling part. For example, the 20th transmission unit in the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned tilted regulation part is a flat shape. For example, the 20th transmission unit in the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned tilted regulation part is a concave conical surface. For example, the 20th transmission unit in the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned regulated portion to be tilted is a conical surface. As for the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, the coupling member has a first hole that penetrates from the free end to the through hole along the direction of the rotation axis. Such as the transmission unit of item 24 of the scope of patent application, where the aforementioned The coupling member is tied to the inside of the first hole and has a rib extending in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the coupling member. Such as the transmission unit of the first item in the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned gear train has a second hole portion penetrating along its rotation axis. Such as the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the gear train is configured to be fixed to the end of the photoreceptor drum and transmit the rotation force to the photoreceptor drum. Such as the transmission unit of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned gear train is configured to transmit the aforementioned rotational force to the developing roller.

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